Things have gone terribly wrong
The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014 sparked unprecedented levels
of intolerance, aggression, and persecution for LGBT folks across Uganda. While
the homophobic and transphobic legislation has since been repealed, another anti-gay
bill is in the works, and many have lost their jobs, been kicked out of their homes, or forced into hiding. As politicians, religious leaders, and media outlets continue to circulate LGBT intolerance for selfish gains, the lives of our Ugandan LGBT brothers and sisters have become increasingly precarious.
We need to do something
What’s the one tool that can effectively stop intolerance, calm
public fears, and help build a more inclusive society?
Some would say it’s
education. If society at-large can understand that being LGBT does not make a
person anything less than human, they can open their hearts to loving and
respecting diversity.
That’s close, but not exactly right.
Better able to build empathy rather than just educate. Nothing
sways public opinion faster than storytelling.
A little magazine went a long way
Kasha Jacqueline, one of the founders of
the Ugandan LGBT movement, understood how powerful individual stories can be.
She knew that a misguided perception of diversity as a “sickness”, “western import”
or “perversion” could not withstand the test of closeness. Those who open their eyes to see what their neighbors, friends, and
family members have experienced cannot justify discrimination (no matter what
their religious leaders or politicians may say).
Kasha collected dozens of stories and printed the first edition
of "Bombastic Magazine" in record time. She cut costs every way she
could, editing the text herself and brokering deals with printers who took the
risk of being prosecuted. Her team distributed the free magazine across Uganda,
leaving it on doorsteps, car windshields, and other locations where its message
would be heard. The results were beyond their wildest expectations.
A powerful impact
Phone calls came in from across the country. Some had never known other people nearby were going through the same struggles. Others opened their eyes to the reality that their own family members could be transgender. Some simply thanked her for helping them expand their awareness.
They printed about 20,000 copies and ran out faster than
expected. Even police officers requested copies, as well as the Minister of
Health and other high-ranking politicians. The magazine was prominently
discussed in the Ugandan media.
Kasha saw something she could only sense before. Behind the
bigotry, intolerance, and persecution – her movement had more allies than she
knew.
Your help is key
More stories are pouring in, and more people are clamoring for a
second edition. Kasha wants to print 30,000 copies and distribute them
nationally. She wants to invest in a professional editor, and more formal
operations for distribution.
Printing costs $10 per issue, a higher price than usual (charged
by the printer who is taking legal risks to be involved in the project). This
is her only choice, as printing outside of the country would lead to immediate
confiscation upon crossing the border. She needs $5,000 to complete the funding
and get started.
We are counting on your support to print and finance the second
edition of Bombastic Magazine.
As a donation to Kasha’s fiscal sponsor, The International Gay
and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, your contribution is 100% tax deductible.
All proceeds will be used to fund the magazine.
Thank you for your generosity.
About OutRight Action International
OutRight Action International (formerly the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) fights to protect and advance LGBTI peoples’ dignity and human rights as part
of the global human rights movement. We empower people on the frontlines, hold
leaders accountable and measure our impact through positive change in people’s lives.
Bringing decades of
experience, our staff works alongside LGBTIQ individuals to
help identify community-focused solutions and guide policymakers toward
lasting change.
For more information on Bombastic Magazine, visit www.kuchutimes.com
For more information on OutRight, visit www.OutRightInternational.org
